Universal Valve Adaptor for toilet fill-valves

ABSTRACT

A universal valve adaptor for toilet fill-valves is placed within a toilet tank and connected to a water source outside the toilet tank. The top end of the system has a threaded profile to mate a toilet fill-valve and the bottom end has a threaded profile to mate a water supply line. An internal valve contained within the lower non-separated portion of the body controls water flow through the body. The internal valve allows water flow to occur while coupled and open, with an automatic shut-off when the separated top end is detached. The internal valve is actuated by an axial profile on the separable top end which forces and displaces a plunger located within the lower non-separated portion of the body. The separable top end allows a new or replacement toilet fill-valve to be installed without further disassembly or impact on associated connections and related parts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLYSPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is generally related to toilet fill-valves, and, inparticular to a universal valve adaptor device for a fill-valve within atoilet tank and connected to an external water supply source.Furthermore, this invention relates to coupling and removing theproximal end of toilet fill-valves within a toilet tank.

2. Description of Related Art

Toilets have been accepted as a common fixture within households,institutions and all phases of industries for the purpose of providing asuitable means for people to relieve themselves. Toilets generally areconstructed as a two component system, comprised of a commode and itscorresponding reservoir tank. For decades, and even today, the reservoirtank holds a predetermined amount of water to flush clean the commodeafter use. The reservoir tanks are generally connected to a water supplysource for refilling the reservoir tank after each use. In order to filland refill the reservoir tank, a valve is mounted within, having adischarge opening for filling the reservoir tank. As the water levelrises, a buoyant float mounted to the valve also rises until it reachesa preset height at which point the water source is shut-off.

The performance and reliability to successfully re-flush the toilet isdirectly dependent upon the fill-valve reliably opening and closing toproperly refill the reservoir tank. Whether due to the number of timesthe valve is used, especially with variable water pressure, or due totime in service, the fill-valve internal seating seal fails in mostapplications over time, requiring the fill-valve to be replaced.

The effort to replace the fill-valve generally results in atime-consuming, problem-plagued process. In order to replace thefill-valve, the water supply source needs to be shut-off, the reservoirtank drained and sponged out, and the fill-valve disconnected. Duringthis process, several issues often arise; the water-supply connection orpipe fittings can leak or break off, especially in the presence ofcorrosion, requiring more replacement parts and/or labor costs.

Thereafter, installing the replacement fill-valve further relies on theability of the installer to properly attach and seal the fill-valve tothe reservoir tank in the correct orientation allowing the typical floatto fully travel with the water level lowering or raising. A second, andoften more problematic, installation issue involves the re-connection ofthe water supply line and its valve. Some water supply lines have beenupdated to a flexible hose with crimped end fittings having anon-replaceable seal contained in the fitting and being deformed by theinitial connection, thus causing the seal to leak when reconnected.Other water supply lines have copper or steel plated tubing connections;these tubes generally bend out during fill-valve removal and may bedifficult to bend back and achieve an effective, leak-proof connection.As a practical matter, the majority of the effort required to replace areservoir tank fill-valve involves the water supply connection andability to provide a long-term leak-proof joint.

The present invention has been developed to provide a device whichovercomes multiple issues associated with reservoir tank fill-valvereplacement. The developed device inherently addresses problematicissues and achieves a safe, time-saving, effective solution to easilyreplace toilet fill-valves, while being ergonomically friendly. Further,the present invention reduces the skill level required to manuallyservice the plumbing components described.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a Universal valve adaptor for toiletfill-valves being placed within a toilet tank and connected to anexternal water supply source. A separable conduit allows a toiletfill-valve to be installed or removed solely within a toilet reservoirtank. An internal valve actuates and allows the external water supply tobe closed upon fill-valve removal and open again upon fill-valveinstallation.

In accordance with the present invention the Universal valve adaptorconstructed as a multi-piece conduit body joining each end as anassembly or being the proximal end of a fill-valve. The top end of thesystem has a threaded profile to connect, seal and fasten a matingtoilet fill-valve and the bottom end having a threaded profile toconnect, seal and fasten the mating water supply line.

Further, in accordance of the present invention, disconnection andseparation of the threaded top end from the body can occur, and, theseparation is located between the connected toilet fill-valve and thetoilet tank inner surface. Secondly, an internal valve contained withinthe lower non-separated portion of the body controls water flow throughthe body. The function of the internal valve allows water flow to occurwhen installed and immediately shut-off when removed. The internal valveis actuated by an axial profile on the separable top end whichforcefully displaces a plunger located within the lower non-separatedportion of the body. The method to install or disconnect the separabletop end occurs by inserting or removing the separated top end into orout of the body by hand and using a rotating motion causing the internalvalve to open or close. The rotation is limited to an arc with apredetermined stop. The separable top end allows a new or replacementtoilet fill-valve to be installed without further disassembly or impacton associated connections and related parts.

These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention willbe apparent from the following description taken with reference to theaccompanying drawing, wherein is shown a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a universal valve adaptor according tothe present invention with a fill valve installed and mounted within asection of a toilet tank;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the complete universal valve adaptor;

FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of the upper coupler showing arestrictor plate;

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the upper coupler and restrictor plate ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the assembled universal valve adaptormounted within a section of a toilet tank;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of the upper coupler above anddisengaged from the lower coupler;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of the lower coupler installedwithout the upper coupler;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the arrangement of the lower couplercomponents for assembly within a section of the toilet tank;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lower coupler assembled within asection of a toilet tank with the water supply connection;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper couple components of theassembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the installed lower coupler assemblymounted within a section of a toilet tank and the upper coupler assemblyillustrated and positioned to be installed into the lower couplerassembly; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the complete universal valve adaptormounted within a section of a toilet tank and having both the watersupply connection and fill valve installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Like parts are marked throughout the specifications and drawings withthe same reference numbers. The drawings Figures are not necessarily toscale. Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIGS. 1, 2, 3,4, 9, 10; a Universal valve adaptor according to the present inventionis generally referred to by reference numeral 10 as mounted within atoilet tank 12. The Universal valve adaptor 10 normally is installed ina conventional manner being positioned vertically in the toilet tank 12and more specifically, perpendicular to the water surface 14. The watersurface 14 defines a horizontal reference and an up above or down belowdirection as being perpendicular to the said surface. Further theUniversal valve adaptor 10 mounts though either a horizontal or angledor vertical opening in the toilet tank 12. As vertically shown in FIG. 1and for clarity of this detailed description of the Universal valveadaptor 10 aligns on a center axis 32 having a concentric reference onthe base of the toilet tank 12.

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrates a portion of the Universal valveadaptor 10 mounted externally below the toilet tank 12 and a portionmounted above and within the toilet tank 12. The Universal valve adaptor10 separates as a jointed fitting into an upper coupler 16 and a lowercoupler 18 and disconnects within the toilet tank 12. Tank seal 20provides a non-hygroscopic barrier and provides the containment of water24 from exiting out of the toilet tank 12. Tank seal 20 has a sizedconcentric opening only allowing the external threaded portion of thelower coupler 18 to protrude though the toilet tank 12 and be securedexternally by nut 22. Water 24 can flow 26 though an internal openpassage of the lower coupler 18 into and though the upper coupler 16 ofthe Universal valve adaptor 10 and into a Fill Valve 28 filling toilettank 12 to a desired water level 30.

Referring now to FIG. 2; the Universal valve adaptor 10 shown as anexploded view to illustrate the sequence of components normally havinginstalled contact with mating surfaces. Upper coupler 16 having agenerally circular contoured shape concentric to a center axis 32utilizes an internal thread seal 34 as a ring shaped elastomericnon-hygroscopic barrier preventing water from penetrating though aninstalled fill valve (not shown) flowing up and around the threads andout of upper coupler 16. External tabs 36 are an integral feature of theupper coupler 16 to engage and lock into passages 38 of the lowercoupler 18. Lower coupler 18 having a generally circular contoured shapeconcentric to a center axis 32 utilizes an internal coupler to couplerseal 40 as a ring shaped elastomeric non-hygroscopic barrier preventingwater flow 26 from leakage between lower coupler 18 and upper coupler16. Contoured plunger 42 having an upper finned or round restrictorplate 43 with holes 45 through the outer surface and a round shank lowerbody are concentric to a center axis 32 and placed onto compressionspring 44 and inserted into the upside of the center hole in the lowercoupler 18. Plunger seal 46 inserts in the lower side of the center holein the lower coupler 18 and fastens to the down facing side of theplunger 42 body and retained by washer 48 and screw 50. Tank seal 20 hasan array of tabs facing up to engage into mating slots on lower coupler18 for torsional positioning and locking. Tank seal 20 contacts toilettank 12 (not shown) on the inner surface and external nut 22 contactsthe lower external surface of Toilet tank 12.

Spring 44 is commonly a helix composed of wound wire, having an openspace between windings with closing ends perpendicular to axis 32applies an uplifting, separating force against plunger 42 to lift theattached plunger seal 46 to contact an internal seat 18B (not shown)within the center passage of the lower coupler 18. Deflection of spring44 forces the attached plunger seal 46 to unseat and create a passagefor water flow.

Referring now to FIG. 3, universal valve adaptor 10 has an open waterflow 26B though a center passage 18A on the lower end of the lowercoupler 18 around plunger seal 46 and across an internal seat 18B, upand though spring 44, around the fin portion 42A of the plunger 42. Thelower end of the upper coupler 16 applies a force against the top ofplunger 42 compressing spring 44 and unseating plunger seal 46. Thecoupler to coupler seal 40 has a molded flexible lip 40A to deflect uponan increase in water pressure providing a tighter barrier as water flowsthough the lower coupler 18 center passage 18A. Now as water continuesflow upward into the upper coupler 16 across the fill valve seal, overthe internal threads and out the top of the upper coupler 16 allowingfree flow.

Referring now to FIG. 4, upper coupler 16 can rotate about center axis32 disengaging the tabs 36 from horizontal slot 52 by pressing downwardto vertically offset out of recess 52A and begin to rotate about centeraxis 32 until tabs 36 stop at the arc end of horizontal slot 52. At thearc end of horizontal slot 52, upper coupler 16 can be vertically liftedout of lower coupler 18 along the intersecting vertical slot 38 as tabs36 pass upward though vertical slot 38. As upper coupler 16 clears lowercoupler 18, the full disconnection occurs.

A valve action occurred as upper coupler 16 rotated out of thehorizontal slot 52 when upper coupler 16 had been vertically lifted outof lower coupler 18, releasing flexible lip 40A from providing anon-hygroscopic barrier against upper coupler 16 as upper coupler 16passes along the intersecting vertical slot 38 further plunger 42 alongwith plunger seal 46 vertically traveled upward in sequence with uppercoupler 16 causing plunger seal 46 to contact seat 18B terminating waterflow 26A from passing though center passage 18A. Plunger 42 along withplunger seal 46 traveled upward vertically due to the upward force ofspring 44 and water flow 26A. Plunger seal 46 provides a non-hygroscopicbarrier and the containment of water flow 26A.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that full disconnection occurredwith the removal of the upper coupler 16 and that water flow 26 hasstopped.

Referring now to FIG. 5, retention of water 24 can be contained withintoilet tank 12 without back flowing through the center passage 18A oflower coupler 18. Water flow 26 has stopped though an internal openpassage of the lower coupler 18 as plunger seal 46 seats against seat18B in lower coupler 18. This allows the present invention to maintainthe water level 24 within the toilet tank 12 despite the absence ofupper coupler 16.

Referring now to FIG. 6, is an illustrated view of the lower coupler 18being positioned in toilet tank 12. The inside surface base 55 of toilettank 12 has a generally round vertical opening 57 as a passage for awater supply line. Tank seal 20 will be placed in the vertical opening57 on the inside surface base 55 of toilet tank 12 providing anon-hygroscopic barrier and preventing water 24 (not shown) from exitingout of the toilet tank 12. Once in place lower coupler 18 can beinserted though tank seal 20 with slots 18A locked and aligned tomultiple external contoured protrusions 20A for assembly and seating oflower coupler 18. Nut 22 being positioned along axis 32 and directlybelow toilet tank 12 can then be used to secure lower coupler 18 wheninstalled.

Referring now to FIG. 7, shows conventional construction and includesthe attachment of an external fitting 40 being assembled as an integralpart of a water supply line 41. The lower coupler 18 having tank seal 20installed abuts the inside surface base 55 of the toilet tank 12 securedon the outer base of the toilet tank 12 by threaded nut 22 screwed onthe circular threads of lower coupler 18 by applying torsion forceagainst tabs 22A. This embodiment creates a functional valved lowercoupler 18 assembly as a stand-alone portion of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 8, is an illustrated view of a typical fill valve28, partially shown, having a normally threaded end-body beingpositioned along axis 32 in toilet tank 12. The upper coupler 16positioned along axis 32 and directly below the typical fill valve 28have been aligned for assembly by inserting the typical fill valve 28and to be threaded into the upper coupler 16.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 depicted the lower coupler 18 in part and as aninstalled assembly within toilet tank 12 as being the lower separableportion of the present invention. The assembled lower coupler 18 remainswithin toilet tank 12 as a stationary stand-alone portion of theUniversal valve adaptor in a disconnect mode. FIG. 8 only depicted theupper coupler 16 unassembled to the typical fill valve 28 as a removableportion of the Universal valve adaptor in a disconnect mode.

Now referring to FIG. 9, both the assembled upper coupler 16 and theassembled lower coupler 18 have been positioned along axis 32 withintoilet tank 12 as separate assemblies shown in a disconnect mode. Uppercoupler 16 can align about center axis 32 to engage tabs 36 intovertical slot 38 of lower coupler 18 by moving downward 61 and insertingit into the bottom of vertical slot 38 of lower coupler 18 then toengage into horizontal slot 52. Thereafter begin to rotate 62 aboutcenter axis 32 until tabs 36 stop at the arc end of horizontal slot 52of lower coupler 18.

Referring also to FIG. 10, universal valve adaptor 10 is joined andfully connected as a flow-fitting, allowing water 24 to flow upward,unrestricted, and though the Universal valve adaptor into a typical fillvalve 28. Water 24 thereafter is controlled by the typical fill valve 28as needed within toilet tank 12.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is well adaptedto attain all of the ends and objectives hereinabove set forth, togetherwith other advantages, which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of theclaims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matterherein set forth or shown in the Figures of the accompanying drawings isto be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve comprising, incombination: a. a substantially cylindrical member for connection to awater source at the bottom end and a fill-valve on the top-end, wherebywater can be conducted through the substantially cylindrical member to afill-valve; b. an exterior threaded portion of the substantiallycylindrical member able to fit through the fill-valve hole in a toilettank; c. a flexible washer to fit over the exterior threaded portion; d.a securing nut to match the exterior threaded portion, capable ofsecuring the flexible washer against a surface, such as against the topof a fill-valve hole on the internal surface of the inside of a toilettank; and e. a plunger inside the substantially cylindrical member,wherein the plunger blocks water flow if no fill-valve is connected tothe top end of the substantially cylindrical member and to allow waterflow if a fill-valve is connected.
 2. A universal valve adaptor for atoilet fill-valve according to claim 1, further including a connectingnut to fit the threaded portion of a fill-valve: a. wherein the nut haswings for thumb-tightening the nut onto a fill-valve and a twist-lockmechanism; and b. wherein the top end of a substantially cylindricalmember has a matching twist-lock mechanism, whereby the connecting nutand the substantially cylindrical member twist-lock together once theconnecting nut engages a fill-valve.
 3. A universal valve adaptor for atoilet fill-valve according to claim 2, further including: a. a sealsecurely fastened to the plunger; b. a seal engaging surface on theinside of the substantially cylindrical member; and c. a cylindricalspring, which forces the seal against the seal-engaging surface, cuttingoff water flow unless the plunger is pushed down so that the seal nolonger engages the seal-engaging surface.
 4. A universal valve adaptorfor a toilet fill-valve according to claim 3 further including a topportion of the plunger which is pushed down by the connecting nut whenthe connecting nut is connected to the substantially cylindrical member.5. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim1, further including: a. a seal securely fastened to the plunger; b. aseal engaging surface on the inside of the substantially cylindricalmember; and c. a cylindrical spring, which forces the seal against theseal-engaging surface, cutting off water flow unless the plunger ispushed down so that the seal no longer engages the seal-engagingsurface.
 6. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valvecomprising, in combination: a. a flange for abutting the bottom of atoilet tank base; b. a seal for tightening against the top side of atoilet tank base, within the toilet tank; c. a retainer including lugsand a lower inside threaded portion; and d. a connecting piececonnecting the water supply to the toilet fill-valve inserted into theretainer from above the toilet tank base, wherein the retainer screwsonto the connecting piece using the lugs by means of an outward threadedportion of the connecting piece being screwed through the lower insidethreaded portion; and a coupler used to manually tighten the toiletfill-valve or a molded adapter fitting for accepting a small diametertoilet fill-valve.
 7. A universal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valveaccording to claim 6, wherein the connecting piece includes a ridge orlip for retaining the coupler.
 8. A universal valve adaptor for a toiletfill-valve according to claim 7 further including: a. a plug; b. acruciform engaging the plug, which cuts off the water flow to the toilettank when no toilet fill-valve is in place; and c. a return springengaging the cruciform so that the cruciform displaces the plug when atoilet fill-valve is in place, allowing water to flow; and d. a cageretaining the cruciform, the plug and the return spring.
 9. A universalvalve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 8 furtherincluding a restrictor plate engaging the lower end of a toiletfill-valve or the molded adapter fitting to moderate water flow, whereinthe restrictor plate is a plate with holes through it to allow waterflow, but not unrestricted water flow.
 10. A universal valve adaptor fora toilet fill-valve according to claim 6 further including: a. a plug;b. a cruciform engaging the plug, which cuts off the water flow to thetoilet tank when no toilet fill-valve is in place; and c. a returnspring engaging the cruciform so that the cruciform displaces the plugwhen a toilet fill-valve is in place, allowing water to flow; and d. acage retaining the cruciform, the plug, and the return spring.
 11. Auniversal valve adaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 1wherein the plunger includes a molded contour having a determined crosssection to regulate or restrict water flow.
 12. A universal valveadaptor for a toilet fill-valve according to claim 1 having an internalthreaded end within the toilet tank suitable to couple with plumbingfittings.